Rocky’s Story
If you’re lucky, at least once in your life, you will come across a unique and special individual—someone who inspires, motivates, and unites an entire community. That was Rocky's gift. Rocky was an old soul, mature beyond her years. No matter how she was feeling, she always put others before herself. She was a ray of sunshine for many and will be remembered as a pillar of optimism, kindness, inspiration, and undeniable toughness. She had friends from all walks of life.
Diagnosis
Rocky was first diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in early 2019, when she was in 8th grade. The initial tumor was in her left clavicle. It was surgically removed, and she was treated with 14 rounds of chemotherapy.
Rocky’s journey began in December 2018 when there was a tender bump on her collarbone, followed by a fracture in January 2019 that was perceived to be the result of a basketball injury. After weeks of little improvement, further tests were completed, and in April 2019, Rocky was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and highly aggressive bone and soft-tissue cancer typically found in children and young adults. It is the second most common bone cancer, with fewer than 1000 cases diagnosed each year, making up 10–15% of all bone sarcomas. In May 2019, Rocky’s battle officially began with nine months (14 rounds) of chemotherapy, two surgeries to remove her left collarbone and tumor (August 2019), and the implant of a titanium collarbone (November 2019). In January 2020, Rocky completed her chemo regimen and officially rang the bell; she was cancer-free!
Unfortunately, this was not the end of her story. The cancer relapsed four times. After 21 rounds of chemo, 40-plus treatments of radiation, several hospital visits, and seven surgeries, Rocky passed away on February 11, 2024, three weeks shy of her 19th birthday.
Lived Her Life Helping Others
Rocky was praised by many for her ability to put aside her battle to help others with sage advice, encouragement, and kindness. She was truly a ray of sunshine in her family's and friends’ lives. Her friends were everybody who knew her.
Love of Basketball
Rocky played basketball since the first grade. She played travel basketball from grades 3–7 and made the girl's varsity team at Heritage High School as a freshman. She practiced when she could and supported her teammates on and off the court for four years. She was not able to play in games. Except for one. Senior night, on January 21, 2023. She was able to get in for spot duty. And then this happened:
“Always see the best in every situation because there is always positivity somewhere. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
~ Rocky Elardo
Tributes
Coming Soon